3-Hour Leuca Ride, Aperitif, Swim

3-Hour Leuca Ride, Aperitif, Swim, 3 hours, rated 4.7 across 718 traveller reviews.

Overview

Three hours on a boat out of Santa Maria di Leuca, run by operator Leuca Due Mari, with a skipper who works this stretch of coast regularly. The route hugs the cliffs of Capo di Leuca, passing from the Adriatic into the Ionian and around the southernmost point of Puglia. Along the way the boat calls at a string of sea caves, including Grotta del Drago, Grotta degli Innamorati and Grotta delle Tre Porte, and the captain explains the history and legends attached to each one.

Between caves there are swimming stops in coves that cannot be reached from land. Masks, life jackets and inflatables are on board, and an aperitif is served during the trip: Apulian taralli, fresh fruit, other snacks and sparkling wine, plus cold refreshments. Music is part of the atmosphere on board, according to the listing.

The tour suits couples, families and groups of friends, per the operator's description. Reviewers mention doing it with children as young as three and six, and describe groups small enough that everyone had room. Bring swimwear, a towel and beachwear, and note that transport to the departure point is not included, though free parking is available near the boarding point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at LeucaduemariBoard at Leucaduemari, Porto Turistico Molo H, in Santa Maria di Leuca. Free parking is available at La Cornula Leuca within walking distance of the boarding point.
2. Sail past the lighthouseThe boat sets out along the coast past the Capo Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse and Punta Meliso, with the captain pointing out the cliffs and caves along the way. This first stretch of sailing covers about 1.5 hours.
3. Cave hopping on both coastsThe route continues along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts past Grotte di Terradico, Grotta del Soffio, Falesia delle Mannute and the southernmost point of Apulia, then past Grotta Maestro Gianni, Grotta del Fiume and Grotta delle Tre Porte, among others.
4. Swim stops and aperitifThere are swimming stops in coves reachable only by sea, with masks and inflatables available on board. The Apulian aperitif with taralli, fruit, snacks and sparkling wine is served during the trip.
5. Return to portThe boat heads back to Leucaduemari, passing Grotta degli Innamorati, Grotta del Drago and the Marina di Felloniche stretch of coast on the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip.

• What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel and beachwear. Masks are provided on board, so there is no need to pack your own snorkelling gear.
• Getting there. Transport to the departure point is not included. Free parking is available at La Cornula Leuca near the boarding point, walkable through the season, and a municipal shuttle runs from the SS 275 car park until September 15.
• Group feel. Reviews describe small groups, with one traveller counting nine people on board and another saying the group size was perfect. Several reviewers also mention having plenty of time at the swimming stops.
• Food and drink. The aperitif includes Apulian taralli, fresh fruit, snacks, sparkling wine and cold refreshments. Several reviewers singled out the prosecco and snacks as a highlight, though one noted the portions were modest.
• Language. The tour is listed in Italian, English and French. One English-speaking reviewer was alone on a mixed-language trip and found the commentary hard to follow.
• Weather and sea. One reviewer noted a turbulent sea on their day even though the family enjoyed the trip overall.

Common issues. A few travellers raise honest criticisms. One reviewer found the inflatable boat too small for ten people, with limited seating for much of the trip, and also reported seeing cheaper equivalent trips sold locally. Another said that as the only English speaker on board, much of the conversation and commentary went unexplained. The summarised review feedback likewise notes commentary can be brief or hard to follow at times. Conditions at sea can also affect comfort, as one family found on a rough day.

Common Questions